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A garden is never really finished. Presently,
many areas of the garden have yet to fulfill their intention. This does not deter us from starting new projects. Once a vision
gets into the head the only way to get it out is to start. This project may best exemplify the initiation, development, execution,
and fulfillment of a vision. We begin the project in a space that was waiting to become a place. Now all I need is the right
design, the right materials and a whole lot of time. Throughout the summer the circle pad was created and the grade was leveled.
It seemed to gradually enlarge as all projects do. The 28ft -29ft circle will require a 30ft enclosure, with a retaining wall
on the low side. The plan- is to use stackable Roman wall block. This will create a 2ft high wall, enclosing 3/4 of the circle,
with openings on opposite ends. We wouldn't want anyone to feel trapped in the Labyrinth! Within a garden of size, areas
are given names. If for no other reason than to communicate the where, when discussing the garden. For several years this
area has been known as the Celtic garden. I was never sure what that would eventually look like, but I envisioned a circular
area created with stone. A place to gather or be alone! When Miriam suggested that we needed a Labyrinth path, the vision
became clearer. I searched for a design and found one called the Celtic Chalice which was Ok, but still a little too simply.
I gravitated toward the Chartres circuit style. These create an extensive path within a small area. But, it didn’t feel
Celtic! Is this what we should we settle for? As I paged through a book of Celtic knot designs I got an idea and started drawing
circles. Lots of circles! All labyrinth designs involve plenty of geometry, this design is no exception. A design seems simple
and clear when it is complete. That’s because all the work has already been done. I don't have computer design skills,
just a pencil, a compass, graph paper and lots of circles. The design at the bottom is the current ambition. Yes the size
of the pad needed to be expanded. The metaphoric, inner and outer circles are now physically defined. The next phase is to
create the path that will lead from the outer to the inner and back.
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| This was the original 7 circut labyrinth design. |
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| This is the current Celtic fusion design. |
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| Start of site prep for the Labyrinth |
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| At the end of day one. |
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| I heard it crack before it fell. Whew! |
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| Site expanded and graded with gravel |
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| 6 ft center circle using Old Dominion Pavers |
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| Setting the base row of the enclosure wall. |
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| The inner and outer circle's |
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| Rough in path design on the gravel. |
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| Working out the pattern for the pavers |
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